POPSUGAR Celebrity

13 of the Most Baffling Things That Kids Do

Dec 2 2014 - 12:11pm

You guys! Why are kids such strange little creatures? I know this is a little Andy Rooney-ish, and I am sure there are a lot of folks (who are way smarter than me) that have some science-based answers to my questions about kids' baffling actions, but let's be honest, I just don't have time for that right now. Right now, I am simply pondering the craziness of the fact that my insanely tired tot won't just roll over and go to bed! Ever wondered about some of your own child's confusing behavior? Then join me, won't you?

Source: Flickr user Lars Plougmann [1]

Why do they "hold it" until the very last minute?

. . . Or until it's too late. I'll never get this! What's so bad about going to the potty? I hate the feeling of needing to go to the bathroom and not being able to relieve myself. Why on earth do kids ignore this terrible feeling?

Source: Flickr user eren {sea+prairie} [2]

Why do they lick things?

I get that babies have an oral thing going on and use their mouths to test the waters, but toddlers and bigger kids should be over that by now, right? Then can someone please explain to me why my kids insist on licking the steering wheel of the car cart at the grocery store? Or the glass of the kids play area at Chick-fil-A? I will never understand this oddity.

Source: Flickr user Lars Plougmann [3]

Why do they change their favorite thing at the blink of an eye?

My daughter's favorite color was purple for a solid two years. She would only wear purple clothing, sleep in purple sheets, and eat off purple plates. Then one day, she woke up and decided that purple was no longer her favorite color — it was now blue (thank you, Frozen).

Source: Flickr user Lars Plougmann [4]

Why do they go from being really excited to really terrified?

Before my son's first plane ride, he talked about airplanes, riding planes, and how excited he was, obsessively — he would also get really upset when I would tell him it was not yet time for us to ride the plane. I was sure to explain to him everything about the trip and what it would be like. And then the big day came, when we finally got on the plane (the very same plane he talked to every stranger in the grocery store about for the past month), and he completely lost it. "No plane! No plane! Me no like planes," he screamed. Huh?

Source: Flickr user Andy [5]

Why do they refuse to eat?

Most adults have the opposite problem as kids when it comes to eating. We think about food, we plan our meals, and then we enjoy them. Kids? Not so much. But the thing that really gets me is when I put something generally thought of as tasty in front of them (mashed potatoes, for example), and they look at me like I must be crazy to think they will eat such a disgusting thing.

Source: Flickr user docmonstereyes [6]

Why will they want to swim, no matter what?

Kids might be picky about their food, but when it comes to swimming, not so much. Give them a pool, and they're in it. Doesn't matter if it's cold, storming, or just plain icky — they'll dive right in. At what point do we become way more discerning about where and when we'll swim?

Source: Flickr user Phalinn Ooi [7]

Why do they not care about being cold?

I don't know about you, but when it's cold out, I cannot get enough layers on in order to ensure that my body is warm when I hit the elements. I hate feeling cold. My kids do not feel the same way, literally. They will do everything in their power to convince me that they do not need a jacket. Do they just enjoy feeling cold? I don't get it!

Source: Flickr user Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism [8]

Why (oh, dear Lord) do they never want to sleep?

I will never, ever understand why kids refuse to sleep (even when they are so obviously tired). If someone would tell me, "OK, it's time for your nap," I'd hug and kiss them and then drift off into glorious slumber. Most kids prefer the kicking-and-screaming approach. Why don't they understand that sleep is so awesome?

Source: Flickr user Eduardo Merille [9]

Why do they always seem to fall asleep at the wrong moment?

I get it, all that fighting-off-sleep business is tiring. But why do kids always then seem to fall asleep at exactly the wrong moment? Like when the fireworks start? Or the minute the parade at Disney kicks off? Or just as you get the text from your pal that says she is on her way for your planned playdate?

Source: Flickr user AnneCN [10]

Why do they prefer to melt down rather than, well, to not melt down?

In my house, we do time-outs. However, the clock does not start until the crying and screaming stops. Simple, right? Nope. Not for a kid. Why, oh why does a child insist on freaking out for way longer than a time-out would have been originally, instead of calming down and getting it done in three minutes?

Source: Flickr user Christine Szeto [11]

Why do they feel bored all the time, but not when doing something that's actually really boring?

Most kiddos have an overabundance of awesome toys at their disposal, yet they always find a way to be "bored." They will, however, watch the same movie or TV show over and over (and over again) and not feel bored of it at all. How is this possible?

Source: Flickr user John Morgan [12]

Why do they lie on the floor in public places?

Kids have no qualms about lying down just about anywhere, anytime. In line at the grocery store seems like a good place to lie down to them. Sick of walking at the airport — why not take a break in the walkway? It's not only kind of gross, but it's also rather inconvenient. And it makes zero sense.

Source: Flickr user Jen [13]

Why can't they understand the difference between "tomorrow" and "today"?

This morning, my 5-year-old and I had a rather lengthy conversation (the very same conversation we've been having for the past couple of years, really) about whether it's today or tomorrow. I know that the concept of time is pretty confusing to kids, but seriously, how many times can one say, "No, it's not tomorrow yet. Today is today — and tomorrow will be tomorrow!" to a child?